« | Lamentations 5 |
1 Remember, O Jehovah, what has been to us; look down and see our shame.
2 Our inheritance has turned to aliens, our houses to foreigners.
3 We are orphans and fatherless; our mothers are as widows.
4 We have drunk our water for silver; our wood comes for a price.
5 We are pursued on our necks; we grow weary; rest is not given to us.
6 We have given the hand to Egypt, to Assyria, to be satisfied with bread.
7 Our fathers have sinned and are not; we have borne their iniquities.
8 Servants rule over us; there is no rescuer out of their hand.
9 We bring in our bread with our souls, because of the sword of the wilderness.
10 Our skin is hot like an oven because of the fever heat of famine.
11 They raped the women in Zion, virgins in the cities of Judah.
12 Rulers were hanged by the hand; the faces of elders were not honored.
13 They took the young men to grind, and the youths stumbled at the wood.
14 The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their music.
15 The joy of our heart has ceased; our dance has turned into mourning.
16 The crown has fallen from our head. Woe now to us! For we have sinned.
17 Our heart is faint for this; our eyes are dim for these things.
18 On the mountain of Zion is laid waste, the foxes walk on it.
19 You, O Jehovah, remain forever; Your throne to generation and generation.
20 Why do You forget us forever and forsake us the length of days?
21 Return us to You, O Jehovah, and we will turn; renew our days as of old,
22 unless You have utterly rejected us; You are very angry against us.
The Modern King James Version (MKJV)
The Modern King James Version (MKJV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible that aims to preserve the majesty and accuracy of the original King James Version (KJV) while updating its language for modern readers. Developed by Jay P. Green Sr. and first published in 1990, the MKJV seeks to maintain the literary beauty and doctrinal reliability of the KJV, making only necessary adjustments to archaic terms and phrases to enhance readability. This careful balance allows the MKJV to retain the classic feel of the KJV while making it more accessible to today’s audience.
One of the standout features of the MKJV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or word-for-word translation. The translators have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time. This approach ensures that the MKJV remains faithful to the original texts and maintains the theological and literary integrity of the KJV. By preserving the cadence and phrasing of the original, the MKJV offers a reading experience that is both familiar and refreshed for modern readers.
The MKJV also pays special attention to the textual basis of the translation. Like the KJV, it relies on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament. This adherence to traditional source texts underscores the MKJV’s commitment to continuity with the historic Christian tradition. The translation is designed to serve both devotional and scholarly purposes, providing a text that is suitable for study, teaching, and public reading in a variety of settings.
Despite its strengths, the Modern King James Version has faced some criticism. Some scholars and readers argue that the translation could benefit from a more extensive revision to fully embrace contemporary language, suggesting that the MKJV’s adherence to the structure and style of the KJV may still pose challenges for modern readers. Others appreciate the balance it strikes but note that it occupies a niche space, appealing primarily to those who have a strong attachment to the KJV. Nonetheless, the MKJV remains a respected and valued translation for those seeking a modern update of the KJV that honors its rich heritage and timeless message.